Hairspray

Hairspray is a bold, vibrant, and eclectic 1988 movie directed by the legendary John Waters. Waters brings together a star-studded cast including music legends Sonny Bono and Ruth Brown, along with the captivating and larger than life actor Divine, in their last film role. Known for his unique and subversive style, Waters' Hairspray is packed full of exuberant characters, groovy dance sequences, and a hard-hitting social commentary that still resonates even decades after the film's initial release.

Hairspray unfolds in the lively cityscape of Baltimore in the early 1960s, a time of considerable racial tension and social change across America. The world of daytime television is entering its golden era, showcasing the joyous exuberance of youth culture in the form of TV dance programs. Setting the pace for the story is the popular local show The Corny Collins Show, a sort of American Bandstand that plays all the latest tunes for teenagers to dance to.

The central character, Tracy Turnblad (played by Ricki Lake in her breakthrough role), is a plus-sized teenager with a heart full of dreams and a head full of hair. Never the one to be stifled by societal norms or body-shaming bullies, Tracy audaciously belts out her infectious joy and charm to anyone who would listen. Her single-minded passion for dancing - and for heartthrob Link Larkin (Michael St. Gerard) - leads her to challenge Baltimore's established ways and the segregation that runs rampant in its dancing circles.

Divine, known for his magnetically unconventional screen presence, masterfully portrays two separate characters in the movie. On the one hand, he essays the flamboyantly nurturing and memorable character of Tracy's mother, Edna Turnblad, and on the other, he plays Arvin Hodgepile, the conniving and manipulative station manager of the TV channel.

Sonny Bono embodies the character of Franklin Von Tussle, the unscrupulous and ambitious owner of a local amusement park who will stop at nothing to seize every opportunity to advance his interests. Ruth Brown delivers a powerful performance as Motormouth Maybelle, the spirited, savvy, and soulful record shop owner, who hosts The Corny Collins Show's monthly "Negro Day”.

Adding to the unique flavor of the film are Pia Zadora, Debbie Harry, and Jerry Stiller, whose performances are representative of the whole spectrum of 60s pop culture, connecting effervescent youth to political activism to fading affluent elite, reflecting much of America's social landscape during the period.

The movie is not just packed with incredible performances; it is also a musical extravaganza. The soundtrack bursts with catchy tunes and dance beats that are symbolic of the era, merging styles from rock n roll to rhythm and blues, providing an irresistible backdrop for the frenzied dance-offs and the memorable sequences.

With Hairspray, John Waters, shifted gears from his earlier, more provocative cinematic works, delivering a film that's a full-on entertaining spectacle while keeping his trademark satirical flair intact. The essence of his storytelling deep dives into the serious issue of racial segregation neatly underneath the veneer of a frothy, comedic musical, making the narrative more relatable without undermining its gravity. This directorial choice allows the movie to present its hard-hitting social commentary subtly, through the lure of music and dance, making it a powerful vehicle for social justice even without being overly preachy.

Hairspray is critically acclaimed as a cultural touchstone and a groundbreaking movie. It overflows with the authenticity of 60s Baltimore, the electrifying dance floor moves, and a heartfelt story that speaks volumes about acceptance, self-love, and the fight for equality. The film with its eye-exuberant color palette, vivacious energy, memorable performances, and the ever-elusive 'Hairspray', is a must-watch classic - a thought-provoking high-energy romp that takes its viewers on a joyride, making them dance, laugh, and think, all at the same time.